Joseph FerrisArtist Bio and Awards

Artist Awards and Bio

Joseph first began working with metal in 7th and 8th grades during metal shop classes in school. Instantly his talents were recognized and his instructor encouraged him to enter the Michigan State Industrial Arts competition with a custom designed three-piece table set, which he built from hand-formed steel. He did so, placing first in the Regional Competition and went on to place second in the state competition. Then in high school, Joseph studied for four years under Eugeen Wolonick, a master Craftsman of Metal Working Techniques and, it was here that Joseph’s imagination and skill reached new and exciting levels.

Joseph went on to Western Michigan University, taking on heavy class loads of drawing and industrial design courses along with a strong emphasis in physics, mathematical theory and equations, which he uses daily in the creation of his art. These early experiences and training created the foundation that led Joseph to become the successful artist he is today. Joseph has received numerous awards from prestigious art shows around the United States. He has been commissioned to do large indoor and outdoor metal sculptures, as well as unique custom metal wall art and custom sculptural furniture for private collections, corporate buildings and galleries. Joseph utilizes a variety of metals and materials to create unique and unusual metal sculptures and sculptural metal wall art. Living in Florida has brought to his work the use of color, which he incorporates in his already exciting pieces.